Scaling and rotating sprites definitely used to be overused but I don't think they're that bad considering they were featured in many classic consoles (GBA, DS,

Scaling and rotating sprites definitely used to be overused but I don't think they're that bad considering they were featured in many classic consoles (GBA, DS, Sega Saturn, PS1 etc.) and too many arcade boards to count I dislike lighting though (unless it's implemented tastefully) and I think normal maps look absolutely disgusting in any situation. E: Also, overuse of shaders is discouraged. Especially non-pixel effects like blurring.